Naper Carriage Hill comes full circle
Naper Carriage Hill is a neighborhood that has come full circle.
When original residents John and Jeanette Rottersman built their home in 1978, many of the amenities that exist today were not yet in place.
"We’ve been here a long time and never had a desire to leave. We did a lot of research (before moving) and the school system here attracted us. The location is great and (we enjoy) the friendliness of the neighborhood."
Mark Martinson, with his wife Kay Martinson, residents for 24 years
"There’s something unique and special (about the neighborhood). It feels like family here. We all know each other.”
Carol Matre, resident for 22 years
Carol Matre agreed.
"When we fist moved here, there was nothing south of 87th (Street) -- it was all cornfields," Matre said.
According to original homeowners Arnie and Marge Eckert, Naper Carriage Hill was built in two phases, starting in 1975.
John Rottersman remembers this time as one filled with children in the neighborhood.
Then, as the children grew up and moved out, it seemed as though there were fewer children. And now, young children are back, with the arrival of young families.
Even Rottersman's own son moved back and lives a block and a half away from his father.
Over the years, the residents of Naper Carriage Hill have managed to retain the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Many describe it as quiet and safe with little traffic.
"Our original homeowners association fought very hard to keep 87th Street from running clear across Naper to Washington," said homeowners association president Kelly Dudgeon.
"This has kept a lot of vehicular cross traffic out of our neighborhood."
"We've enjoyed watching the trees grow," added Jeanette Rottersman. "It's been a fun neighborhood to watch to grow."
1. Oakridge Parkway is made up of 12.09 acres through the center of Naper Carriage Hill. This year Oakridge Parkway was approved for renovations by the Naperville Park District, said Naper Carriage Hill homeowners association president Kelly Dudgeon. The homeowners association has planned its annual Fall Fest to coincide with the Oct. 3 re-opening of the park with new playground equipment. Complete with a trail wrapping around the park, Oakridge Parkway is a destination for residents of adjacent neighborhoods as well.
How to get there: Oakridge Parkway is on the south side of 87th Street when heading west from Naper Boulevard, south of 75th Street. The address is 478 E. 87th St.
2. Part of District 203, Scott Elementary is a K through 5 school with a 2008 enrollment of 500 students, according to the Illinois School Report Card. The school opened in 1978. Its largest average class size in 2008 was 26.7 for first grade, slightly higher than state and district averages. Overall performance of students in the school on all state tests was also higher than that of the district and state, according to the report card.
How to get there: Scott Elementary's address is 500 Warwick Drive. The school can be reached by taking Naper Boulevard south past 75th to Staunton Road and making a right. Make another right on Coach Drive and a third right on Warwick before arriving at the school on the right-hand side.
3. A popular destination for residents of Naper Carriage Hill, as well as neighboring subdivisions, is the Naper Carriage Hill Swim & Racquet Club. The nine-acre plot is "right by the river," said resident Carol Matre. "It's beautiful. It's nestled in a really pretty section." Homeowners association president Kelly Dudgeon said the swim club competes in city swim meets and is "very social." Home of the Cardinals, the club features swim lessons, water polo, tennis, party reservations and even a kids triathlon.
How to get there: Naper Carriage Swim is at 400 Leamington Court. Take Naper Boulevard south past 75th Street to Carriage Hill Road and make a right. Make another right turn on Coach Drive and then a left onto Leamington Court until you reach the club.
